InwardRectifierKanäle
Inward rectifier potassium channels, often abbreviated as GIRKs or Kir channels, are a superfamily of ion channels found in the plasma membranes of many cell types. These channels selectively conduct potassium ions (K+) into the cell, particularly when the membrane potential is more negative than the potassium equilibrium potential. Conversely, their conductance of potassium ions out of the cell is significantly reduced at more positive membrane potentials. This characteristic rectification property gives them their name.
The function of Kir channels is crucial for regulating cell excitability and membrane potential. In neurons,
Kir channels are a diverse group, with several distinct subfamilies (e.g., Kir1.x to Kir7.x) that differ in